Calls for a new hospital for the Canterbury area were slapped down by a health chief who warned that there was no money for it.

And one member of management, Liz Shutler, said that if hospital services continued as they were they would end up with a £45 million deficit.

The call for a new hospital, which could replace the ageing Kent and Canterbury Hospital, came from Canterbury MP Sir Julian Brazier and audience members at a public meeting today.

The meeting attended by hundreds at Westgate Hall in Canterbury, was organised by the campaign group CHEK (Concern for Health in East Kent), over fears over future health services.

Sir Julian said: “This issue is going to be my high priority for the next five to six years.
“It is important that we will make decisions that will last for generations.

“I think the bulk of services should be at a new hospital in and around Canterbury.”

One member of the public speaking was 91-year-old Marjorie Lyle, of Rough Common.

She said; “I will be dead before a new hospital is built but we have a crumbling hospital where staff are working their socks off to keep it going.

“When is the money coming for that?

“I am in a hurry so I would want to see a new hospital in a year.”

Health chiefs are planning health services over the next five years and say they are trying to make better use of resources.

Ms Shutler is director of strategic development and capital planning at the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.

She said: “We are looking over five years how we fund finding the NHS. Hospital use is growing and if we carry one as were are now we will have a £45 million deficit.

“A new hospital would cost about £600 million to £700 million and that kind of capital is not available.

“It is difficult for me particularly when I see the pressure staff are under.”

The trust wants to redesignate its three main hospitals, K&C, William Harvey in Ashford and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in Margate.

One will be full-scaled with A&E, trauma services, a maternity unit and all specialist services.

The second will have an A&E and maternity Unit.

The third will be reduced to a hospital offering pre-elective surgery, such as hip replacement and rehabilitation but little else.

The trust has not confirmed with hospital will be which, saying it is still consulting with the public.